The Independence day

11 of November marks the end of First World War.
This is a day of unconditioned surrender of Germany, and celebrated in many countries as ‘Remembrance Day’.
But for Poles this date has also another, special meaning.
Nov 11 is Polish Independence Day.

The beginning of Poland as a state starts from the year 966 in which Polish Prince Mieszko I has been baptized ( christianized ) by the Pope.
The Kingdom of Poland lasted till the year 1795 when, after loosing the battle to Tsarits Catharina the Great, the theritory of Poland had been split among three powers Austria, Russia and Germany.
19th century is a string of unsuccesful fights and uprisings ending in the time of WWI, when Poles again had the opportunity to fight for independence.
The end of the War brought the opportunity to unite three parts back to the Polish state,
which sovereingnity has been confirmed later with Treaty of Versailles June 28,1919.
In 1924 the Goverment of Poland choose for celebration of Independence the day 11 Nov 1918 in which Regency Council in Warsaw handed over the command of the army, and power to create the new goverment to Józef Piłsudski, who later became the head of the army ‘Naczelnik’ and the real leader of Poland.

[The crypt with the grave of Piłsudski is located under the Sliver Bells Tower of the Wawel Cathedral].

[on the photo:some horseman on the bank of Vistula river preparing for Independence day parade.]